Apple Cider Vinegar for Scalp

If your scalp is healthy, your hair is also healthy. So, to have vibrant hair you have to maintain your scalp healthy. For that you have to use one popular, easy available, cost effective remedy called Apple Cider Vinegar. Organic apple cider vinegar is used as an excellent treatment for the hair and scalp. When you use it on the hair, it cleanses and gives your hair more body and lustre that reduces the hair-loss. It also reduces the itching, drying scalp and dandruff by destroying the bacteria or fungi that clog your hair follicles.Click here to Grab a Free bottle of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar from Thrive.

In this article, let us know about its properties and how it works on different scalp problems.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Your Hair and Scalp?

Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for health, hair and beauty. Coming to scalp, it works amazingly in avoiding the scalp and hair problems to make your scalp healthy and shiny. Following are the main properties of Apple Cider Vinegar which work well on the scalp problems.

Apple cider vinegar disinfect the outer scalp by killing the fungus that caused by dry scalp. It also reduces the inflammation caused by the dry and itchy scalp.

It contains powerful anti-septic property, active enzymes and is rich in mallic acid that help to kill the virus and yeast causing itchy scalp

It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that prevents all the bacterial, fungal and viral activities on your scalp.

It has the property to balance the pH levels of the scalp to clear itchiness and dryness. This helps to grow your hair healthy without any dandruff and other scalp problems.

It acts as a natural clarifier. Acetic acid in apple cider vinegar removes the buildup from styling products and shampoos, and helps to strengthen your hair by closing the cuticles on your hair shaft. All these process (removal of buildup and smoothing of hair cuticle) helps to promote the natural shine and at last leaves your hair lighter and softer.

It helps to open up the clogged pores and acts as mild conditioner. The acidic content in it helps to reduce the itchiness, dryness and drastically brings down flaking on the scalp.

It is alkaline in nature and has a lot of essential nutrients (vitamins C, A, B1, B6, Potassium, iron) and alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliates the top layers of the skin and treats the scalp psoriasis problem.

White vinegar helps to remove the dead cells from the scalp and prevents the bacterial and fungal infections on the scalp.

Vinegar will cleanse your scalp and helps to heal any scratches that you’ve made with your fingernails.

Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar or Plain White Vinegar)

Take 1/4 cup of organic apple cider vinegar and add this to a cup of water

Mix it well and pour this mixture in an empty spray bottle

Squirt the bottle all over your scalp and hair

Massage it gently so that it will saturate all over the hair.

Leave it for about 3 – 5 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water followed by shampoo.

This process is also used to treat dry scalp, itchy scalp, dry itchy scalp, hair and scalp problems.

Method – 2: (Vinegar Rinse for the Scalp)

Take 1/4 cup of vinegar and add 3/4 cup of water

Mix it well and place the mixture in an empty spray or squeeze bottle

Use this to rinse your hair in between shampooing and conditioning your hair

Squirt or pour the mixture on the roots and allow it to sit for 3 – 5 minutes

Then massage it occasionally and rinse the mixture from the hair thoroughly

Now condition your hair from roots to end and pat it dry naturally

This process helps to make your scalp healthy, much less itchy, controls oil, silky and shiny.

Method – 3: (White Vinegar)

Take 1/2 cup of vinegar mix it with 2 cups of warm water

After shampooing your hair, use this vinegar solution to rinse your hair

You can also add few drops of sage oil and let it rinse sit for up to 30 minutes

Wash your hair completely and repeat this process once a week.

Method – 4: (Diluted Vinegar)

Take 1/4 cup of white vinegar and mix it with 1/2 cup of water

Stir it well and pour the solution in glass spraying bottle

Spray the solution on your scalp and hair

Let it be like that for 5 – 10 minutes and then rinse it off.

This process is also useful to treat itchy scalp, dandruff, dry scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dry Scalp:

The use of artificial shampoos and styling products on your scalp and hair will dry out the skin and leaves it itchy. Vinegar with its anti-bacterial properties kills the bacteria that cause dry, flaky dandruff. Let’s know how to use apple cider vinegar for dry scalp with these methods.

Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

First of all, clear your hair with cold water

Take a cotton ball and dip it in a bowl which has apple cider vinegar

Stick the scalp with that cotton that it has to cover all the scalp area

Let it sit for about 10 – 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water

Repeating it twice a week until you got complete relief from the dry scalp.

Method – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Keep a jug of apple cider vinegar in the shower and measure 1/4 cup.

Pour this mixture over your head after shampooing and rinsed your hair.

Massage it into the scalp with your finger tips and then get out of the shower without rinsing the vinegar from your hair.

Method – 3: (Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse)

Take equal quantities i.e. 1/2 cup of each apple cider vinegar and water

Stir it well and use this solution to massage your scalp and hair

Vinegar has to be saturated all over the scalp and let it sit for about 5 – 10 minutes

Rinse it off with water and then apply shampoo (tea tree oil based shampoo is preferred)

This process helps to make your hair well moisturized that prevents dryness and dry scalp problems.

Method – 4: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Beer)

Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and add this to 2 cups of beer. Beer acts as natural conditioner and helps to clear the dryness and thereby dry scalp.

Stir it well and apply this solution to your scalp and hair after shampooing your hair i.e. use this as a conditioner to your hair

Let it sit for few minutes by massaging it on your scalp

Then rinse it off and repeat this process for best results that prevents dry scalp.

Method – 5: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Other Conditioners)

Take a saucepan, add 3 cups of water and handful of rosemary

Bring it to a boil and lower the heat to simmer and then slowly cook it for 45 minutes

Divide your hair in small parts and apply this hair and massage that helps to saturate all over the scalp and hair

Tie up the small parts of your hair after applying this solution

Leave it like that for few minutes and then rinse it off with shampoo and style it as usual.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair and Scalp:

Vinegar helps to have healthy hair and scalp. It helps to get rid of all excess skin and cleanses and it also moisturizes the scalp and hair to prevent dryness, itchiness and flaking. After trying this method you came to know that vinegar is too good for your hair and scalp (cleansing).

Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Avocado and Coconut Oil)

Take equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water

Mix it well in a spray bottle and spray it all over your scalp that your scalp has to be covered completely.

Divide your hair into small parts and then spray it and at last after completely, tie your hair

Let it soak for 5 -10 minutes and rinse it off with tea tree oil infused shampoo.

Allow your scalp to soak in the shampoo for 3 – 6 minutes and then wash it off thoroughly

Then take an avocado and smash it to get puree from it

Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it well to make fine creamy paste. Avocado and coconut oil are super hydrating and moisturizing agents to your scalp and hair

Apply this paste on your hair and start massaging your scalp as it has to reach all over the scalp

Make sure to have towel handy as this cream is too messy.

Once you covered entire scalp and hair then wrap your hair in shower cap

Leave this mask on your hair for at least 30 minutes or if possible for best results, allow it to be for overnight

Method – 2: (Vinegar with Baking Soda)

Take sufficient amount of baking soda (as per your hair length) and mix it with water to make it like a fine solution.

Apply this mixture to dry or wet hair by applying it on the roots at the scalp

Massage the scalp for a minute or two so that your scalp will be cleaned.

Wash it off completely with warm water

Take 1 part of white vinegar and mix it with 4 parts of water

Mix it well and you can also add any essential oil to the mix to get rid of the vinegar smell

Then tilt your head back pour this vinegar solution by closing your eyes.

Make sure that it has to distribute all over your scalp and hair

Leave it for few minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.

Method – 3: (Vinegar)

Shampoo your hair properly

Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of warm water

Use this mixture to rinse your hair

Leave this on your hair for about 30 minutes and then wash your hair thoroughly with water

For best results, follow this process once or twice a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Scalp Build-up:

Generally used shampoo will not remove the product buildup on the scalp that result from the use of stylish products, oils and products with silicones but the apple cider vinegar rinse helps to remove it very efficiently.

Method – 1: (Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar)

Take equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water

Mix it well and massage it into your hair and scalp after you co-wash and condition your hair

Let it be like that for 3 – 5 minutes and then rinse it out completely

Repeat this process whenever you overused the stylish products on your hair that prevents damage to your hair and makes it strong & healthy.

Take a measuring cup and mix 1 part of apple cider vinegar with 3 parts of water in plastic applicator bottle. (Apple cider vinegar quantity depends up on length of your hair)

Wet your hair and apply clarifying shampoo to the entire hair and scalp and lather it slightly

Then take a shampoo brush and brush it gently on the scalp in circular motion to stimulate the scalp

Wash the shampoo out of the hair with cold water and apply apple cider vinegar mixture with the applicator.

Massage it for 2 – 3 minutes with your fingers but focus more on scalp.

Rinse your hair with cold water to remove the apple cider vinegar mixture then you will notice a decrease in residue on your scalp and hair

Must apply moisturizing conditioner to your hair and comb your hair from root to tip

Cover your hair by using shower cap and let it sit for about 30 – 45 minutes

Wash your hair with cold water and dry it and if you want, style your hair as usually.

Vinegar for Scalp Fungus:

Scalp fungus is an uncomfortable situation that leaves your hair with unsightly dandruff and intolerable itching. Fungus naturally occurs in the scalp as it gets oilier that gives fungus more food to feed longer on it. Vinegar, which is capable of killing fungus and bacteria that causes scalp fungus and making it as topical treatment for the scalp fungus.

Method – 1: (Vinegar)

Take 2 cups of vinegar and boil it for few minutes until it gets warm

Allow it to get cool and then take 1/8 cup of this warm solution and mix it with a cup of water

Stir it well and use this mixture to rinse in your hair before shampooing and after conditioning

Process has to be continued daily to get rid of the scalp fungus.

Method – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Take 1/2 cup each of apple cider vinegar and water

Stir it well and use this after shampooing your hair

Pour this on your scalp and hair and massage it in the hair at the base of neck working towards the right side of the scalp.

Allow the solution to stay on the hair for 2 – 5 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Scalp Psoriasis:

Scalp psoriasis is standard psoriasis that occurs when plaque develops on the scalp as thickened patches that appears to be red or inflamed and silver in color. Vinegar (any type of vinegar) has been used from centuries that kills the bacteria on food, relieve itching and irritation that prevents the psoriasis.

Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Take 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and add it to a cup of water

Stir it well and pour it in an empty spray bottle

Spray it on the scalp but concentrate more on the psoriasis affected area of the scalp.

Or you can use a wash cloth that soaked in the diluted vinegar solution and apply it on the psoriasis affected part of the scalp to ease the itching and irritation.

Keep the vinegar solution in refrigerator for additional cooling effect that heals the burning and itching sensation.

But make sure that if you have cracked skin, open sores or bleeding sores on scalp then skip this vinegar remedy as it will irritate the skin and causes burning sensation.

Method – 2: (Vinegar Soak)

Take a cup of vinegar and add this to your bath water

After shampooing your hair and soak in it for about 15 – 20 minutes

Rinse it off properly and dry your scalp

Apply any carrier oil that helps to retain the moisture in your scalp and prevents itching and irritating.

Or apply apple cider vinegar straight on the psoriasis affected part of the scalp will also works well in curing it.

Vinegar for Flaky Scalp:

Flaky scalp is the scalp that has dried dead skin accumulated on the scalp and causes dryness, itching and dandruff. It forms flakes on the scalp due to lack of oil production. Vinegar is a best solution for this flaky scalp as it cleanse your scalp and moisturizes it by balancing the pH level of the scalp.

Method – 1: (Vinegar)

Take small amount of vinegar (either apple cider vinegar or normal vinegar)

Apply this vinegar solution on the scalp but focus more on the flakes area.

Let it sit for few minutes and then rinse it off with water

Repeat this process regularly as it helps to remove the dead skin cells from the scalp that block your hair follicles that cause flakes.

Method – 2: (Vinegar with Olive Oil)

Take small amount of olive oil and warm it for few seconds to get slightly warm

Let it cool for few minutes to reach room temperature

Apply it on your scalp and massage it for few minutes

Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes and comb your hair thoroughly

Then use vinegar solution (vinegar mixed with water) to rinse your hair

You can dry it like that or you can wash your hair after few minutes

Remember that the vinegar smell will disappear when your hair dries out.

Tips for Apple Cider Vinegar on Scalp:

For additional benefits, you have to follow these tips.

Add vinegar (any type) to your shampoo or conditioner and stir it well before applying. Apply this to lather and then rinse it off. It also helps to treat the scalp problems.

Although the vinegar solution in any methods are quite diluted that won’t burn your scalp. If you have any burning and irritating sensation, then dilute it by adding less of vinegar and more of water or any other mixing agents.

Don’t worry about the smell of vinegar (apple cider vinegar) after applying it. As this will dissipate naturally when your hair dries. Even though if you’re still bothered about the smell then reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar used.

Avoid applying vinegar on hair after applying oil or on oil applied hair. This makes the vinegar unable to penetrate into your scalp effectively.

Repeat all the above mentioned methods regularly to prevent any scalp problems.

You can also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in other ways like using it in salad dressing, drinking it by diluting it in water, etc. to get the benefited from it also in treating the scalp problems.

Using vinegar (either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar) will prevent the scalp problems. But it essential to follow some other tips like removal of all stylish products on hair as early as possible, regular washing of hair, oil treatments, healthy diet, reduce the stress levels, etc. will helps to make your dream come true to have healthy and shiny hair.

All this is about Apple Cider Vinegar for Scalp. Have you tried any of these methods or do you have any other vinegar methods that treat scalp? Then share your experience with us.

Comments

I just used regular white vinegar in a spray bottle, undiluted. I’ve had a patch of terribly itchy scalp for weeks now and this morning just decided to spray some vinegar on it after washing my hair with regular shampoo and conditioner. I’m amazed that already the itching is greatly reduced. I’m going to do this every day until the itch goes away. I have a bottle of organic apple cider vinegar but it’s expensive and thought I’d try the plain white instead. So far, so good!

I use to have thick and healthy hair until I had my children. I started losing hair in chuncks which was shocking and quite traumatic noir knowing the reason. Doctors were saying that was due to hormones and my hair should be back to normal once my hormones settled. Its been 8 years since my hair started to fall and got thinner and thinner. Recently I went to specialist and they able to found out from a biopsy that I have chronic inflammation of frontal scalp onhorizintgal and vertical section. The doctor could not tell me there as on of inflammation from the biopsy report so she has given me oral anti inflammatory medicstiin for 4 months.
I don’t know if I should take the medicatiin oir sphoiuld try the home remedies first and see any difference. I was hoping that u might be able to help me with home remedies that might be suitable before I take the medication prescribed. For the past 2 year my scalp been dry with dandruff and very itchy and when I wash my hair my scalp is burning like its in fire or its like someone has put chillies on my scalp. I wash my hair 1 a week due to me very scared of a lot of hair fall during and after washing my hair.
I have a scalp condition – chronic inflammation but don’t know what causing the scalp inflammation. And been having hair lose and thinning very badly I suspect its due to inflammation and I need your help if I can be cured with home remedies andif u can advise me of the best Remedy or best method to use. Thanks dear. Appreciate your help vry much:)

my hair are long and healthy but now I have lot ofpatches in hair , itching terribally and bleeding followed by burning and some water like fluid comming out. which isthe bwst way to apply apple cider vinegar?

As per your description, your skin is bleeding and discharging fluid. So we recommend consulting a doctor to understand the exact problem. A visual inspection gives more precise root of the cause. Once you find the reason of the problem it will be easier to find the solution.

I’m not sure if it’s normal but my hair smells like strong apple cider vinegar, any way to reduce the stinking. I had to use it to get rid of fungus in my hair that caused it to itch. My sister says my hair smells really bad

I don’t know what that is but I have itchy hair with small white balls in it. My hair gets greasy easily, but with my new professional shampoo I can go one day without washing. What can I do to reduce the itching and the sand feeling in my hair?

As per your description above, we recommend you to consult a doctor to understand the exact problem behind the itchiness and small white balls. Once we get to know the problem, we can find out the perfect solution for it.

Do I use conditioner on the ends if I use vinegar for itching. I have long hair and my scalp is so itchy and dry. I’m going to try the vinegar and I didn’t know if baking soda was bad for colored hair but I also wanted to know if I still use my conditioner on the ends?
Kathy